ZPL National League Week 25: Kansanshi Dynamos Close in as Konkola Blades Drop Points

Week 25 of the Zambian National League brought thrilling action, unexpected results, and crucial shifts in the race for promotion and survival. Konkola Blades dropped points at the top, Kansanshi Dynamos kept up their chase, and Riverplate produced a dominant performance. Here’s a breakdown of all the key matches and what they mean for the league standings.

Kansanshi Dynamos Cut the Gap with Away Victory

Chambishi 0-2 Kansanshi Dynamos
Goals: Brighton Kabumba, Ignitius Kalunga

Kansanshi Dynamos capitalized on Konkola Blades’ slip-up, securing a 2-0 win over Chambishi to move to 51 points, just four behind the league leaders. Brighton Kabumba and Ignitius Kalunga found the net in a composed performance that underlined Kansanshi’s promotion ambitions. Chambishi, struggling at 15th place with 23 points, remain in a dire relegation battle and must find form quickly to avoid the drop.

Konkola Blades Stumble in Title Race

Trident 1-1 Konkola Blades
Goals: Maurice Sichone | Clenn Afful

League leaders Konkola Blades were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by 6th-placed Trident (37 points), who proved they can go toe-to-toe with the best. Clenn Afful’s goal ensured Blades remain top on 55 points, but their lead is now under serious threat from Kansanshi Dynamos. Trident, meanwhile, continue their push for a strong finish in the league and could be dark horses for a late-season surge.

Riverplate Dominate as Mpulungu Harbour Sink

Riverplate 4-1 Mpulungu Harbour
Goals: Golden Zansi, Boyd Kauya (2), Marone Musonda | Peter Chewe

Riverplate produced a commanding display, thrashing 8th-placed Mpulungu Harbour (33 points) to strengthen their grip on 3rd place with 43 points. Boyd Kauya’s brace highlighted their attacking prowess, and their growing momentum makes them strong contenders for a top-three finish. Mpulungu Harbour, on the other hand, struggled defensively and must improve to maintain their mid-table position.

Mines United Keep Up Pressure on Promotion Places

Kafue Celtic 0-3 Mines United
Goals: Izukanji Simpemba, Nicholas Mulilo, Glorie Bakafwa

Mines United proved too strong for 16th-placed Kafue Celtic (23 points), cruising to a 3-0 win and keeping themselves firmly in the mix for promotion. Now level with Riverplate on 43 points, Mines United are positioning themselves as serious contenders for a top-three finish. Kafue Celtic’s struggles continue, and with time running out, they must find points fast to escape the relegation zone.

Aguila Stars Shine in a Crucial Win

Aguila Stars 3-1 Kitwe United
Goals: Kalolamanda Sichivula, Harrison Lungu, Hevious Phiri | Moses Lolozi (P)

Aguila Stars boosted their survival hopes with an impressive 3-1 victory over 10th-placed Kitwe United (30 points), moving up to 33 points in 7th place. Their performance was full of attacking flair, with goals from Sichivula, Lungu, and Phiri sealing a well-earned three points. Kitwe United, while relatively safe from relegation, will need to be more consistent if they want to break into the top six.

Leopards Hill Edge Ndola United in Tight Contest

Leopards Hill 2-1 Ndola United
Goals: John Goma, Benjamin Makandauko | Darius Mwewa

Leopards Hill kept their survival hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over 13th-placed Ndola United (27 points), moving level on 23 points with Kafue Celtic and Chambishi. With teams at the bottom picking up points, the relegation battle is heating up, and every match now carries significant weight.

Chipata United and Jumulo Share Spoils

Chipata United 1-1 Jumulo
Goals: Thomas Mwanambaba (OG) | Esau Musamba

Bottom-placed Chipata United (20 points) fought hard to earn a draw against 9th-placed Jumulo (31 points), but they remain the most at-risk team in the league. Jumulo, while not in immediate danger, missed an opportunity to climb further up the table.

Postponed Matches

• Young Green Buffaloes vs. Prison Leopards (rescheduled)
• Chirundu United vs. Kafue Eagles (rescheduled)

What’s Next?

With just a few matches left in the season, the battle for promotion and relegation is reaching a boiling point. Kansanshi Dynamos are closing in on Konkola Blades, while Mines United and Riverplate are staking their claims for a top-three finish. At the bottom, Chipata United, Kafue Celtic, Chambishi, and Leopards Hill are in a tense fight for survival.

Expect more twists and turns as the ZPL National League enters its final stretch!